Would there be anyone out there with info on which Spit 22's were on 73 Sqn's strength 1947-48, and even pictures? Additionally, which 22 a/c went out to join the SRAF in 1951? I am looking for a specific a/c PK350, but would also like to know how many were on strength and what their designations were? On http://www.spitfires.ukf.net/home.htm, PK350 doesn't appear to have gone onto 73's strength, yet other info indicates she was on that Sqn's strength. PK350 ended up on SRAF strength and was re-built in the late '70's, flew again in 1980, and was destroyed in 1982 in an accident. Thanks.

On 23rd June 1942 the Deputy Director of Air Tactics at the Air Ministry wrote to Bomber, Fighter, Coastal and Army Co-operation Commands informing them that it was now considered that the policy of applying two-letter code combinations to identify parent squadrons tended to ‘stultify’ all efforts to conceal the order of battle, and unless the commands could identify overriding reasons to the contrary, the use of squadron codes would be abandoned. The views of each command were sought as a matter of urgency. On the 26th September the AM sent a letter to all operational Commands, including Middle East, West Africa and India informing them that with the exception of Bomber and Fighter Commands, all other commands should dispense with this means of identification on security grounds.

73 Squadron spent most of the wartime years based overseas where the use of the two-letter squadron codes had been dispensed with in 1942. Instead, the squadron employed a chevron marking under the fuselage roundel. This chevron has been described as being applied in the squadron colours of blue and yellow but from anecdotal evidence from ex-squadron personnel it is apparent that many different colour combinations were used depending upon what paint was available at the time. Some chevrons were blue and yellow, others black and white, black and yellow or black and red.

In 1947 73 Squadron were equipped with Spitfire Mk Ixs and based at Ta’ Qali, Malta. Two F.22s arrived in mid-July 1947 and were coded G and V. By November the squadron had reequipped with the new type. The F.22s were delivered to the squadron in the standard Day Fighter Scheme. The squadron continued its tradition of applying a chevron to the sidesof the fuselage. However, it is not clear what combination of colours was used on F.22s; whether there was a mix as previously or whether these combinations were used on a flight basis or not. It is not known if any F.22s were ever repainted in the post-war Day Fighter Scheme of overall Aluminium but it is known that revised post-war national markings were applied prior to their replacement by Vampires.

This information is derived from the Aircraft Movement Card. Unfortunately once an aircraft was sent abroad the cards were not updated. So PK350 went to the Middle East 31st July 1947. As F.22s were confined almost exclusively to the RAuxAF, 73 Squadron being the only regular RAF unit to receive them, it appears that PK350 did indeed go to 73 Squadron.

Hi Antoni and Gingerbob, Guys thanks so much for the info on PK350. Sorry I haven't acknolwedged your responses earlier. Where did you get the info on PK350 in the SRAF, Antoni? That was very useful. I am intending to write a book on her restoration as it remains a great untold story within our aviation circles here in southern Africa. I live in Zim., was in the Rhoda, and Zim AF; saw the a/c on her first flight on 29th March 1980, was involved in the filming piloted the Vampire chase a/c) of the a/c in Mar '82 just before she crashed; know alot of the personalities involved including the engineer who oversaw the re-build, two of the three pilots who flew her etc. You mention she spent time at the Bulawayo Museum! I live here in Bulawayo, and never knew that. I will have to see if I can dig up some info on that. Interestingly, the other surviving Spit F22, SR65, is in the Gweru Museum, where I used to live and serve. She also did a stint of guard duty here in Byo at Brady Barracks.You mention Bruce Robertson's book, Gingerbob - what is it's title?Thanks again guys.Cheers.